By Muhammad Ajah
Let there be peace. Let there be love. Let there be religious tolerance. Let there be understanding. And let Nigeria be. Let there be no bloodletting. Let there be no inhumanity. And let Nigerians collectively brace up to the war against Nigeria. Let the political leaders stand up and act. Let the religious leaders assemble and spread understanding. Let the traditional leaders mount pressure on their people to believe in one Nigeria. And let parents and teachers inculcate in the Nigerian children the non-passionate approach to controversial religious issues in a religiously delicate society like ours.
Let Islam and Christianity coexist in a more modern, natural and peaceful environment called Nigeria. The proponents of these two worldwide divine faiths, Jesus and Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon them) are beloved beings created by one God and sent to preach and spread love amongst humanity and closeness to God, the creator of all in existence.
Even as a Muslim who believes that everything that happens is as ordained by the Almighty, it is infidelity to take a life or cause a life to perish without a just cause. Whoever is responsible for these nefarious acts would not dodge the wrath of the Overpowering God. Just time! And painful death is a sure end for the wicked.
If the target were not worship houses, it could be understood that the people are aggrieved with bad governance. But when people who go to their worship or study places become victims of their own innocence, then emergency should be the next declaration. Enough for these carnages, O Nigerians!
Governors of the states must also act collectively. They should meet and take decisive plan to tackle this menace. No one should feel free because stones that are coming from different directions have no specific targets. Today, it is not you. Who knows tomorrow? But again, why the delay in taking serious actions to protect lives of the citizenry which is the first and foremost responsibility of leadership?
My passionate appeal is that Muslim and Christian leaders should rise up to this challenge and prove to the world that both religions are not enemies. I will like a situation where the clerics of both religions would often meet to discuss and understand each other’s way of thinking and practical lives. It should not be enough to preach virtues in worship houses. Followers should be guided at all times amidst the cruelties of socio-economic backgrounds in the country.
May the souls of the departed Nigerians from the blast rest in peace. It is for the leaders not to allow the situation to go out of hand. There is no call for religious acrimony and war in Nigeria. The Sultan and the leaders of the Christian faith should meet and carry peace messages to the grassroots. Let the Interfaith body intensify its efforts and practically reach out to the grassroots.
One love! Let’s get together and feel alright!!
Muhammad Ajah is a writer, author, advocate of humanity and good governance based in Abuja. E-mail mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk
